was a violation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a violation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that breached a rule, law, or standard in the past. Example: "The unauthorized access to the database was a violation of company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Accordingly, anybody charged with violating the statute would not have known that his conduct was a violation of the law.

The New Yorker

That was a violation of Joe's curfew".

The New York Times - Sports

This match was a violation of an opponent's rhythm.

The New York Times

"But that wasn't why it was a violation.

The New York Times

She said the mandate was a violation of religious freedom.

The New York Times

Stealing that fruitcake was a violation to Mr. Purdy.

The New York Times

That was a violation, which would have added a stroke.

The New York Times - Sports

To them it was a violation of its medieval dictate.

The New York Times

He thought it was a violation of copyright law.

The New Yorker

Writing the letter was a violation of the rules.

The Guardian

"That was a violation of human rights," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was a violation", ensure the context clearly identifies what rule, law, or agreement was breached. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was a violation" without specifying what exactly was violated. For instance, instead of saying "His actions were a violation", specify "His actions were a violation of the company's code of conduct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a violation" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates that a rule, law, or agreement has been breached.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was a violation" is a versatile phrase used to denote a breach of rules, laws, or agreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts, make it a valuable tool for expressing non-compliance or transgression. While synonyms like "constituted a breach" or "represented an infringement" can offer nuanced alternatives, understanding the specific context is crucial for precise communication. Remember to always clarify what exactly "was a violation" to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constituted a breach

Emphasizes the act of breaking a rule or agreement, often used in more formal contexts.

represented an infringement

Highlights the act of trespassing or encroaching upon someone's rights or rules.

amounted to a transgression

Implies a more serious or moral wrongdoing than a simple violation.

was a contravention of

A more formal and legalistic way of saying "was a violation of".

went against the rules

A simpler, less formal way to express a violation of rules.

broke the regulations

Focuses specifically on the breaking of established regulations.

disregarded the terms

Highlights the act of ignoring or not adhering to agreed-upon terms.

defied the law

Emphasizes a direct and intentional opposition to the law.

infringed upon the policy

Focuses on the encroachment or undermining of a specific policy.

failed to comply with

Highlights a lack of adherence or obedience to a specific requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "was a violation" in a sentence?

Use "was a violation" to state that a specific rule, law, agreement, or principle has been breached. For example, "The unauthorized access to the database "was a violation" of the company's security policy".

What are some alternatives to "was a violation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "constituted a breach", "represented an infringement", or "amounted to a transgression".

Is it better to say "was a violation of" or "violated"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Was a violation of" is more descriptive, while "violated" is more direct. For example, "His action "was a violation" of the rules" versus "His action violated the rules".

What's the difference between a "violation" and an "infringement"?

While both terms refer to breaches, "violation" often implies breaking a rule or law, while "infringement" often refers to encroaching on someone's rights or intellectual property. For example, a traffic ticket is a "violation", while copyright theft is an "infringement".